Rachel Reviews: The Light in the Invading Darkness by Daniel Big Plume
Alexandra has to save the world from encroaching darkness. She's only fifteen. Daniel Big Plume tells her tale in this high stakes story.
You have to admire Daniel Big Plume's vision in this book. I felt like it could have been more than one really, such was the content of it and the scope of the action. That said, this is cohesively written with a clear purpose and was really enjoyable with tension and tragedy throughout and the narrative moves at the right pace towards a satisfactory conclusion.
We follow a number of key characters, the main one being Alexandra who is a 15 year old girl in New Port Falls who is being trained by a group of professionals (who are also like firm friends and family members) to be prepared for the day that the "Invading Darkness" of the title arrives. Why Alex? Well, she has already shown that she is extra special in a world of Extra-Biologicals previously and as a result, she is the individual on which all on Earth are pinning their hopes. If she can't repel the darkness, then Earth and all its inhabitants are doomed.
But the galactic cloud is not the only thing that Alex has to fight. She is beset by problems from many areas and it's probably not difficult to guess what some of these are. There are those which come with the role she's been designated: self-doubt; fatigue (she's been training for a long time). But there is also a lot of the normal problems facing teens like friendship issues and bullying as well as strained family relationships. Big Plume does a good job of showing the tensions that plague Alex and the weight that has been placed on such a young girl's shoulders.
The cloud is looming, relationships are strained, pressure is rising but the Darkness has earthly acolytes too, intent on thwarting Alex and so, Alex is well and truly a troubled teen.
This is a book which is strong on showing relationships between people and the dialogue reads true. I liked the dynamics created between Alex and all of the people in her life, especially with her father, Stephen. Pace is good and we know from the start where the action is leading.
I think for teens this would be a great read with many moments throughout where teen readers would be able to identify with Alex's situation and the tensions she is navigating which sit well alongside the enjoyment of the heroine saving the world aspect too.
Rachel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
This review was first published on Reedsy Discovery where I was privileged to read it as an ARC:
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Comments (6)
Based on your review, this sounds like Alexandra is a cross between Buffy and Ender, maybe a little Harry thrown in. If I were a mom looking for another book for my teen to read I would feel confident getting this book for him after reading your review. My only critique of your review is your final paragraph falls flat because you started it with the words"I think." You made a great observation, but when you preface it with those two words, you give up a bit of power for what comes next, you open the door for people to question your opinion. I've been learning recently that it is a common thing women do in the business world because we're taught not to come across as too pushy, but then it leads to us not being taken seriously at all. I wanted to share, because you should be taken seriously. You have great insight and talent.
Your review strikes a great balance between plot overview and thematic insight. I especially appreciate how you highlight Alexandra’s personal struggles alongside her larger-than-life mission, it makes the story feel relatable to teen readers.
I like the idea of a female protagonist in a story. It’s a nice change of pace in a male obsessed culture (especially lately). Not sure that the story is striking a chord with me though. Great review as always!
I feel like I'm bagging on all the genres you've been reviewing lately Rachel😂😂 I struggle with the sci part of sci-fi haha, but I like how this revolves around a teen protagonist.
Great review, as always, Rachel. I'm overly grown for young adult literature but I read your review with interest.
But does she voluntarily wanna do this or is she being forced? Loved your review!